How to update GPS?

[Frupal]

I recently missed a turn because of a very recent street name change. Rodeo Road became Obama Boulevard. My GPS hadn’t a clue. I’ve got a 2016 640 GC. Can I update the software via the iDrive?

[vaio23]

You need to download the map and key search online. You can buy from Ebay or forum members. Once completed download to USB drive and update via glovebox.

[Opie55]

As stated, you have to load all new maps. I get mine from *************. You can Google it. You can do it two ways. They will send you an email almost immediately with a link to all the files. If you have minimal computer skills and can format a drive with WINRar you download them to a thumb drive. Or they will mail you a thumb drive already loaded.

I guess I cant' type a vendor name? Ok - it's "Bimm" with a "mer" on the end joined with the word that follows "United States of ........".

[NorthCountryGuy]

I got the thumb drive from the no name asterisk company. Worked very well. Received it quick with concise instruction (easy). Took 45 mins to completely load. It is a good upgrade.

[Qsilver7]

Ditto NCG...I updated my 2013 maps back in Dec 2018...but I didn't fiddle around with the free download and creating the free FSC code (its needed before you can update the maps). So I purchased the lifetime FSC code (you can also purchase 1-time, 2-time, or 3-time FSC) and the thumbdrive with the maps already on it. They mailed it to my home...baada bing...new maps w/new local streets etc down in about 40 something minutes.

If you are not tech savvy or just don't want to fiddle around with the free download...there are vendors (easy to find) by just typing "BMW update navigation maps" into a google search box.

You can also buy updated maps from your local BMW dealership...but its usually the most expensive. In a thread on another forum...I just saw a link to getbmwparts.com (an east coast BMW dealership's online site) that had the maps on thumbdrive for something like $115-$120 with 1-time FSC code (can't remember the exact price)...which was a really good deal in regards to a BMW dealership. Online vendors are usually somewhere between $40-$80 depending on if you need an FSC code or not.

Good luck with whatever you decide...but updated maps aren't that hard to do or get.

BTW, you use the USB port in the glovebox to upload the map data:

[F06msportmia]

Any one have a contact for USB map update that is NOT $65? Checked out ************* and it's pricey. I used to get the map updates for $20 to $25 shipped via USB.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by F06msportmia

Any one have a contact for USB map update that is NOT $65? Checked out ************* and it's pricey. I used to get the map updates for $20 to $25 shipped via USB.

Do you have a lifetime FSC code? If yes, I've seen vendors selling the ready-to-go thumbdrives for approx $41.

If you don't want to pay the money...then you'll have to go with the links to the free downloads were you'll have to generate your own FSC code (if you don't already have one) and the map files to your own thumbdrive that has been configured properly.

There are tons of thread about this across multiple BMW forums...the process applies to all new gen BMWs that have the CIC/NBT/and what ever the new one is called.

[ezmaass]

With my 650, I've not had to do any manual updates. Over-the-air map updates are just pushed to the car - what feels like maybe once every few months. A message will just pop up on the screen saying that new map data is available. It'll ask whether I want to use the data immediately or wait. If you choose to start using it immediately, it quickly reboots the system.

From what I understand, it's just part of the ConnectedDrive system. This may not be available on the older models (I think OTA started around 2016 for BMW but I know it differed by models) or versions of iDrive, and on newer ones you may need to make sure the ConnectedDrive account is active. I believe (don't quote me on it) that free updates are included for the first 3 years.

If you have OTA capabilities in your car, and you're not the original owner, I'd check into getting it activated - well worth it.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

With my 650, I've not had to do any manual updates. Over-the-air map updates are just pushed to the car - what feels like maybe once every few months. A message will just pop up on the screen saying that new map data is available. It'll ask whether I want to use the data immediately or wait. If you choose to start using it immediately, it quickly reboots the system.

From what I understand, it's just part of the ConnectedDrive system. This may not be available on the older models (I think OTA started around 2016 for BMW but I know it differed by models) or versions of iDrive, and on newer ones you may need to make sure the ConnectedDrive account is active. I believe (don't quote me on it) that free updates are included for the first 3 years.

If you have OTA capabilities in your car, and you're not the original owner, I'd check into getting it activated - well worth it.

Thanks so much. My car turns three at the end of the month. I’ll look into this right away!

[Frupal]

I just found out that my Nav system is automatically updated - quarterly - like magic. I don’t have to do a thing until July 2020 when my ‘subscription’ ends. Thanks for all of the great responses.

[Derekz4]

Originally Posted by Frupal

I just found out that my Nav system is automatically updated - quarterly - like magic. I don’t have to do a thing until July 2020 when my ‘subscription’ ends. Thanks for all of the great responses.

What do you have that is updating the maps in the navigation system?

[Opie55]

Originally Posted by Frupal

I just found out that my Nav system is automatically updated - quarterly - like magic. I don’t have to do a thing until July 2020 when my ‘subscription’ ends. Thanks for all of the great responses.

That must be a feature that started in 2016 with some upgrade to the nav system. My 2015 does not have that. Funny I've not seen it mentioned on here before with all the various nav update threads.

[Derekz4]

Funny, mine is a MY2016 with a 5/15 build date.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by Derekz4

What do you have that is updating the maps in the navigation system?

It just comes with the subscription that the original buyer paid for through BMW.
https://connecteddrive.bmwusa.com/ap...#/portal/store

I went online and it said that my maps would be automatically updated through the car’s cell connection every quarter.

[Derekz4]

I just checked, I’m on a 2015 version ��

[Thewrench86]

Had the same happen missed a turn got lost had to use Google maps. Went home and bought some maps from eBay with FSC code. Updated fine. Only issue was seller took almost 24hours to send the link. Listing said 20 minutes to 24 hours . Lol just in time.

[Opie55]

Originally Posted by Frupal

It just comes with the subscription that the original buyer paid for through BMW.
https://connecteddrive.bmwusa.com/ap...#/portal/store

I went online and it said that my maps would be automatically updated through the car’s cell connection every quarter.

That link is to real time traffic. I have that on both my BMWs - a '14 and '15. It tells me the traffic ahead on a live basis, and of any construction, but does not update maps. You must have to log in to your particular car for it talk about map updates. This explains why the guy at the dealer who sold me my '14 X3 said maps would update automatically. He was apparently right about the technology, but wrong about the years.

[ezmaass]

BMW started the OTA map updates in the 2016 cars. I think there was some variance across the range, however.

As I said above, it's part of ConnectedDrive, and you need an active account. You'll know when the map is updated because you'll get a message on the screen telling you that new map data is available. You can select to use it immediately or later. If you're actively using navigation, it won't even interfere - you can update while still continuing with navigation instructions.

In the two years I've owned the car, I've gotten these around every few months.

In general, the ConnectedDrive features are useful and worth keeping the account up to date. I also use the app, which provides a lot of great features when you're away from the car - remote location of the car, fuel level and range, oil and tire pressure, unlock/lock, horn and light activation, and sending addresses to the navigation system. All pretty useful.

Logging into my ConnectedDrive account, these are the active subscriptions that came on my 650 (active for the first 3 years):

- Remote Services: provides interactive remote services as mentioned above (location, lock/unlock, horn, lights, etc.).

- Teleservice: provides remote data transmission to the dealer regarding service required.

- BMW Assist: provides remote notification and help in case of an accident or roadside service required (SOS Button).

- Concierge Services: all sorts of concierge services (reservations, hotels, directions, etc.).

- Advanced Realtime Traffic: provides real-time traffic updates to route around problems during navigation.

- ConnectedDrive Services: in car apps (like gas station prices, yelp, etc.), online search, social media apps, etc.

- Automatic Map Updates: provides map updates for the navigation system OTA.

- WiFi Hotspot: allows you to connect multiple wireless devices to the car's WiFi hotspot.

As mentioned, in general I think it's a good suite of services. Because mine is still active under the original new purchase agreement, I don't know what the prices are for all of these, but you should be able to log into your ConnectedDrive account and check current subscriptions and renewal pricing if expired.

[Qsilver7]

To stay in the same lane ezmaass started down...in the charts below...it appears that OTA (over the air) maps start with the introduction of NBT (EVO ID5/ID6)...which started in 2016.

OTA maps are also regional...only the maps of the region you reside get updated...not the entire country or continent. So if you live in the northeast region of the USA...only the maps in the region get updated...the maps for the west coast, or southeast or Mid-west etc won't get updated.

See the chart below to see the dates...as previously stated...the dates vary based on model...BMW didn't use a static roll-out date.

[Derekz4]

I just purchased the latest update through Tisher BMW (getbmwparts.com) for $116.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by Derekz4

I just checked, I’m on a 2015 version ��

Apparently me too. It will not update over the air. I was mistaken. So now I guess I’ll have to buy the update. Did you get one yet?

[Derekz4]

Originally Posted by Frupal

Apparently me too. It will not update over the air. I was mistaken. So now I guess I’ll have to buy the update. Did you get one yet?

Mine is still in the mail, it’s due to arrive on Saturday.
I guess I could have gotten it cheaper elsewhere but I felt more comfortable getting it from a dealer. (getbmwparts.com)